Hazards

NIWA researchers study geological, weather and coastal hazards, including the impact of climate change on some of these.

  • storm_wellington_south_coast

    Coastal hazards

    NIWA's coastal hazards research is improving knowledge and providing tools to help understand coastal hazards and potential impacts for Aotearoa New Zealand – both now and in the future as sea levels continue to rise.
  • New tool revolutionising drought forecasts

    Media release
    A newly launched tool developed by NIWA and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to predict dryness and drought will help farmers and growers be better prepared for challenging weather conditions.
  • Weather hazards

    Weather hazards

    NIWA plays a pivotal role in weather hazards research, providing critical information and tools for assessing, monitoring, and managing weather-related risks and impacts.
  • 3D model of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai

    Geological hazards

    NIWA studies marine geological hazards, including earthquakes, submarine landslides and tsunami, volcanic eruptions, seafloor scour, sediment transport and shallow gas.
  • Tonga eruption caused fastest ever underwater flow

    Media release
    The 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption triggered the fastest underwater flow ever recorded.
  • Higher and drier – the cost of raising homes

    Media release
    New research shows that in some cases, lifting houses may be a cost-effective way to reduce intermittent flooding risk.
  • Extreme weather research gets a boost

    Media release
    NIWA has launched a $5 million per year package of new projects aiming to tackle some of New Zealand’s most pressing challenges, including responding to and preparing for extreme weather events.
  • Government review of weather forecasting system – Statement by NIWA Chief Executive John Morgan

    Media release
    "We are pleased with and support Treasury and MBIE’s review of weather forecasting announced by Minister Webb."
  • Kaikōura’s deep seabed is rapidly recovering, says NIWA

    Media release
    Areas of Kaikōura’s seabed show promising signs of recovery just four years after the 2016 earthquake, says NIWA.
  • New maps reveal places at risk from sea-level rise

    Media release
    New maps from NIWA and the Deep South National Science Challenge show areas across Aotearoa New Zealand that could be inundated by extreme coastal flooding.
  • NIWA's Historic Weather Events website

    Media release
    Our official statement in response to Ian Wishart's report about NIWA's Historic Weather Events Catalogue website.
  • In numbers: New Zealand’s wild summer weather

    Media release
    It has been a summer to remember, but not in a good way.